Hydro energy potential considering environmental variables and water availability in Paraná Hydrographic Basin 3

Abstract

Brazil’s energy matrix is based on hydroelectric plants. In the current scenario, studies must be conducted to verify the possible environmental impacts and production viability in order to determine sites most suitable for installing hydroelectric units. A process was developed to identify potential sites to install hydroelectric units using geotechnology, considering morphometric analysis of watershed obtained using python scripts, PLpgSQL, and R. This process enabled the generation of multiple regression models for flow estimates, flooded areas, and estimates of the hydropower potential of the region. From the 3899 points analyzed, 3477 points showed potential for run of river hydroelectricity-generating plants (production up to 3 MW) and 48 points showed potential for small hydroelectric plants (SHPs; production between 3 MW and 30 MW). The limiting factors were assessed by using the intersect geoprocessing tool, where points that intersected with excluding factors, such as environmental or infrastructure elements, were excluded from the analysis. In addition, an efficiency coefficient was established for the SHPs by correlating potential and flooded areas, demonstrating the best points for the implementation of SHP, and considering the potential impacts of the reservoir.